Need to de-scruff!

[Frawli]

It occurred to me the other day that I look really scruffy pretty much all the time and I'm fed up of it. I haven't really bought much in the way of clothes for a long time, but particularly in the past 4 years since I was pregnant with my eldest child, because since then I've pretty much lived in joggers as they are more comfy for when you're getting back into shape/crawling round on the floor after a small child!

I think if I looked better I might feel a bit better too, it's not good to be always feeling that you look a mess. I don't even know what style I would like to go for, I'm completely out of touch. I wouldn't want to be wearing really unfashionable things.

I know I'd like something practical, so quite flat shoes and something that I won't wreck when playing with the children. Budget is also an issue too, i.e. there isn't much budget! I am fairly slim, although bit tubby round the tum and thighs, hence former fondness for wearing joggers.

I also need to sort my hair out, it's a mess too. I usually just tie it back in a ponytail and my fringe does mad things, LOL! I am ham fisted with hairdressing so couldn't do anything too complex.

Could anybody point me towards some sites where I could find clothes or hairstyle inspiration?

Oooh what size/height/colouring are you OP?

Is it everyday sahm stuff you're dressing for or do you need work and/or occasion stuff also?

I have gone for leggings rather than joggers as a smarter option with a decent tunic that still covers the fat arse but when worn with sexish boots looks quite good.
Am hitting the gym this week though DS is getting too old for me to look this shabby

Well I am size 14 bottoms (could be 12 if I laid off the cakes for a bit!), size 16 top, quite busty. I am pretty short, about 5ft 3 and my colouring is awkward, I have red hair, which is not the awkward thing, my prob is my skin which is quite sallow, lots of colours don't suit me, anything very strong like bright blue or green, no form of yellow.

It's a shame really because while my hair goes well with really bright blues and greens they really wash out my face, I look ill or something!

I have work clothes which are ok, it's casual stuff I need really. To be honest I need clothes of all types but don't have much money spare so casual clothes needed most!

I'd recommend invesitng in a few pairs of leggins and some short dresses/tunics or long tops to wear with them. Lots of layering to keep warm or cool off. Some nice boots for when you leave the house.

Leggings all over the high street don't cost much really, and places like T K Maxx are good for dresses and tops that are affordable.

Primark is also a good place if you need some stuff on a budget.

I'm wearing lots of dresses at the moment as they're so easy, an all in one outfit. I have a couple of work dresses that were from next, cost about £16 each yet are so useful. I mostly wear them with a longline cardigan open over them, tights, shoe boots and either a long necklace or a slim belt.

Essentials I would say to be a couple of neutral coloured cardis (black/navy/grey) some jersey tops that skim your wobbly bits but accentuate your best assets, straight leg jeans and some dark leggings. Throw in one or two dresses and you should get loads of outfits.

If you're smaller on your bottom half perhaps try a skinny belt to pull in dresses/cardis to an empire line shape and highlight your bust. M&S have some good belts for about £5. If you're not sure about belts then statement jewellery can glam up plain tops/dresses easily and cheaply.